2010 to Present

The price of GOSSIP

Who doesn’t gossip? Sure some of us are more selective about who we share our gossip with, limiting it to our close friends and family. That said, the world of social media has changed the way we share our…shall we call it information? With TV ads “that was so 27 seconds ago…” as our reminder, news travels fast. We also know that for some reason, gossip travels faster. You never want to be the one that people are gossiping about.

We all want to be in the know, and we want people to share with us. We want information first and fast. It is only natural that we give back, right?

GOSSIP is harmful when we are sharing information about others even if it is true and we have the information first-hand. Food for thought…what do you suppose the person who is listening to you is thinking about your sharing someone’s secret, even if it’s juicy? Are they grateful? Are they feeling part of your inner circle? Or are they wondering how much of what they shared with you gets shared with other people in your “inner circle”? The cycle of trust starts and ends with you. You are responsible for your behavior and only you. You can’t control how people perceive you, but you can control your actions. Why risk losing someone’s trust?

Once you have shared someone else’s secret with them, will they hesitate to trust you? Gossip always has a price. Be thoughtful about your behavior and know that it increases the chances that others will return the favor.

I don’t have the answers, but I always have thoughts. Won’t you share yours?